(WASHINGTON, D.C.) – Congressman Jamie Raskin (MD-08) today joined Congressmen David N. Cicilline (RI-01) and Mark Pocan (WI-02) in sending a letter to the Speaker of the House of the Representatives, Nancy Pelosi, requesting direct and immediate financial assistance to small businesses, independent contractors, sole proprietors, and gig economy workers in the House’s next legislative package to combat the effects of the coronavirus outbreak.

“Small businesses and their employees are the backbone of our economy. We have an obligation to do everything we can to keep them afloat during this unprecedented crisis,” Congressman Cicilline said. “As Congress works to provide additional emergency funding in response to the coronavirus pandemic, it’s crucial that we take steps to provide direct assistance to small businesses.”

“We want to ensure that working people—from small businesses to gig workers and independent contractors—are able to survive now,” said Congressman Pocan. “As a small business owner myself, I have seen firsthand the effects of this outbreak on a business owner’s ability to afford expenses and pay employees. It is imperative that any further action the House takes includes direct relief for small businesses.”

The letter was also co-signed by: Lisa Blunt Rochester (DE), Suzanne Bonamici (OR), André Carson (IN) , Yvette D. Clarke  (NY), Gilbert R. Cisneros, Jr. (CA), Lois Frankel (FL), Jahana Hayes (CT), Henry C. “Hank” Johnson, Jr. (GA), Ann Kirkpatrick (AZ), Mike Levin (CA), Alan Lowenthal (CA), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC), Ayanna Pressley (MA), Bobby L. Rush (IL), Darren Soto (FL), Susan Wild (PA).

A copy of the letter is available here.

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